by Cathy M. Rosenthal
The other day, while sitting in my veterinarian’s waiting room, I overheard a woman talking to her friend about her dog’s behavior at the dog park. She described how her dog often seemed tired shortly after arriving, yawning frequently, licking his lips, and choosing to sit off to the side rather than joining the other dogs.
What she interpreted as fatigue and disinterest, however, are classic signs of stress in dogs. It’s a common misconception that stress in dogs always looks dramatic—think raised hackles, stiff tails, or growling. While those are indeed stress signals, dogs often exhibit much subtler signs, such as excessive yawning, lip licking, or even pacing.
Her dog’s behavior at the park suggests he’s uncomfortable in that environment. But what should she do? Should she stop taking him altogether, or is there a way to help him adapt?
Understanding Stress in Dogs
Dogs express stress in a variety of ways, some obvious and others more subtle. Recognizing these signals is key to understanding your dog’s emotional state:
- Yawning: For humans, yawning usually signals boredom or tiredness. For dogs, however, frequent yawning in a specific situation—like the dog park—may indicate stress.
- Lip Licking: If your dog’s tongue seems to flick across his lips excessively, it’s likely not about leftover peanut butter. Lip licking can be a stress response.
- Obsessive Licking: Dogs under chronic stress may obsessively lick their paws or other parts of their body, sometimes causing sores. This behavior is akin to a human biting their nails under pressure.
- Whale Eye: When your dog’s eyes widen to the point where the whites (or “whales”) of their eyes are visible, they are likely feeling overwhelmed or uneasy.
- Stiff or Tucked Tail: A stiff tail or one tucked between the legs signals discomfort or fear.
- Raised Hackles: When the fur along your dog’s spine stands on end, it’s a clear sign your dog is feeling threatened or highly stressed.
- Growling, Snapping, or Cowering: These more obvious signs indicate a heightened level of stress or fear, often when a dog feels trapped or unsafe.
Helping Your Dog Cope
Stress is a normal response to unfamiliar or overwhelming situations. However, if your dog regularly shows signs of stress in a particular environment, it’s essential to evaluate how to help them cope.
For the woman at the vet’s office, stopping trips to the dog park entirely might not be necessary. Socialization is important for dogs, but it needs to happen at their pace and comfort level. Here are some suggestions:
- Shorten Visits: Start with just five or ten minutes at the dog park. Gradually increase the time as your dog becomes more comfortable.
- Choose Off-Peak Hours: Visit during quieter times when there are fewer dogs, reducing the chances of overstimulation.
- Observe Other Dogs: It’s possible that a specific dog or two may be stressing her pet. Adjusting the schedule to avoid those dogs could make a big difference.
- Create Positive Associations: Bring your dog’s favorite toy or treats to make the environment more enjoyable. Reward calm, relaxed behavior.
It’s also important to note that not every dog enjoys dog parks—and that’s okay. Some dogs thrive in smaller, controlled playgroups or during one-on-one interactions.
Paying Attention to Stress
As pet parents, it’s easy to overlook subtle stress signals, especially when we think we’re providing enriching experiences. However, dogs don’t learn well when they’re stressed. In fact, repeated exposure to stressful situations without relief can lead to anxiety or behavior problems.
Next time you’re with your dog in a new environment, watch closely for subtle changes in behavior. Are they yawning more than usual? Licking their lips? Sitting to the side instead of engaging? These signs offer valuable clues about how your dog is feeling.
By learning to recognize the signs of stress in your pets, you can help them feel safer and more comfortable in any situation. Paying attention allows you to take action and strengthen the bond you share.
Remember, every pet is different. What might be a dream environment for one dog could be a nightmare for another. The best thing you can do is observe, adjust, and always prioritize your pet’s emotional well-being.
Check out Recognizing Stress Signals in Your Cat.
Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, and pet columnist with more than 35 years in the field of animal welfare. If you are interested in her children’s books, please visit https://cathyrosenthal.com/petpunditpublishing/. Send your pet questions to cathy@petpundit.com.
